Mankato, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers (5-8) took their second straight win over the Mankato MoonDogs (6-7) with a narrow one-run victory Saturday night at ISG Field, 2-1.
The Stingers struck early in Mankato, putting a run on the board in the top of the first inning. Ian McCubbin led off the action with a double to center field before scoring three batters later on a Jayton Greer single.
Enrico Veach brought home another run for Willmar in the top of the third with a double to left, scoring Brooks Wright to make it 2-0.
The MoonDogs plated their first and only run of the game in the bottom of the fourth, when they loaded the bases with one out on a trio of singles before Camden Bates hit a sacrifice fly to bring across Landon Williams.
But Jordan Jackson maintained the lead for Willmar, inducing a groundout from Nate Soelter to end the frame. He entered in the middle of the inning to relieve Gannon Reidinger, who went 3.1 innings and allowed five hits with one earned run while punching out three.
Jackson recorded another scoreless frame before handing the ball over to Trey Zaffiro. The righthander out of Lafayette College threw three scoreless innings, allowing just one runner to reach base and striking out four Mankato batters on his way to being named the Les Schwab Player of the Game.
Parker Barraza sealed the win for the Stingers with his third save of the season, recording back-to-back strikeouts for the final two outs.
Willmar will go for the series victory Sunday on Books and Baseball Night presented by Woody’s Trucking, where all kids will have an opportunity to read books with the Stingers on the field before the game. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.
Visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 to reserve your seats today. The 2026 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.
For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.com
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The Willmar Stingers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now entering its’ 33rd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 415 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM). League games are viewable live on FloSports.tv.